On October 15th, 2020, DEA agents arrested Mexican General Salvador Cienfuegos, allegedly a member of El Sindicado ( The Syndicate). Military officers with overwhelming influence that supposedly “tolerate” the elected government.

US agents had determined that he was “El Padrino” of the H-2 Cartel. He was in charge of the government’s anti drug cartel effort and at the same time running a cartel. How convenient.

The US held him until the 18th, when by request of the Mexican government they dropped the charges and handed him off to Mexican authorities. Attorney General William Barr said he was promised the investigation would continue by the Mexican government.

In late December the Mexican government moved to restrict DEA agents immunity while operating in their borders. This action ended the long standing cooperative effort of the US and Mexico in the fight against drug cartels.

On the 14th of January, the Mexican government exonerated him of all charges (New York Times). This was an “unexpected” about face from their promise the general would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In a statement on Friday, the Justice Department said, “The United States reserves the right to recommence its prosecution of Cienfuegos if the Government of Mexico fails to do so.” We’ll see.